Page:A complete course in dressmaking, (Vol. 1, Introduction) (IA completecoursein01cono).pdf/52

 rule for the length of skirt that will become every older women, but five inches from the floor usually is about right.

The width of the skirt is another point where the older woman must use her own good judgment, regardless of what is decreed by some French couturiere. A slip of a girl, who really hasn’t very much figure, can wear an extremely tight skirt, but when you are older and have hips to consider, such a skirt is quite out of the question. However, there is no need to go to the other extreme and wear old-fashioned clothes. It’s a fact that conservative, medium width skirts are in style season in and season out.

I might add a word about comfort, too. Wear comfortable clothes. No woman looks her best if her corsets are digging into her side and her collar chocking her, or her skirt whipping around her ankles every time she steps. Clothes you enjoy wearing are usually becoming.

This little rule applies to shoes as well as to dresses, coats and suits. Nine out of every ten older women look better in a comfortable straight heeled shoe or slipper, than they do in high French heels. Very high heels are apt to throw the body forward and out of its natural graceful poise. Naturally, an older woman tires easier and slumps into this unbecoming posture sooner than a young girl. If you want to dress for an enduring smartness